Total Protein and Protein Electrophoresis (SPE)
Separates blood proteins into fractions to flag monoclonal proteins behind myeloma and related disorders.
Consider this test if:
- High total protein or a low albumin-to-globulin ratio on routine bloodwork that needs explaining
- Unexplained bone pain, anemia, recurrent infections, kidney problems, or high calcium
- Following a known monoclonal gammopathy such as MGUS over time
- Investigating chronic inflammation, liver disease, or suspected immune deficiency
- HSA/FSA eligible
- Results delivered to your dashboard · Reviewed by a real clinician
- Drawn at a CLIA/CAP-accredited lab near you ·
Pre-test considerations
No fasting required. A standard serum blood draw is sufficient at any time of day. Recent IV immunoglobulin therapy or active infection can alter the gamma fraction, so note these for accurate interpretation.
Video consult with your Care Team
A 1:1 call to discuss your health.
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What this test is for
Serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) separates the proteins in your blood into six fractions: albumin, alpha-1, alpha-2, beta-1, beta-2, and gamma globulins. The pattern across those fractions is a diagnostic aid for a wide range of conditions, including chronic inflammation, liver disease, nutritional and protein-losing states, and immune deficiencies. Its most important use is detecting a monoclonal protein band, the abnormal spike that signals monoclonal gammopathies such as multiple myeloma, Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, and MGUS, which is why it is commonly ordered when there is unexplained bone pain, anemia, high total protein, kidney dysfunction, or elevated calcium.
This is the fractionated test: a plain Total Protein result gives one number, and the Total Protein and Albumin panel adds the albumin-to-globulin ratio, but neither can separate the globulins or reveal a monoclonal band the way electrophoresis does. If a band is found, immunofixation or free light chain testing is the usual next step to characterize it.
Biomarkers tested
Includes 10 biomarkers
- Specimen
- Serum or plasma
- Method
- Electrophoresis
- Measures
- Mass concentration
- Specimen
- Serum or plasma
- Method
- Electrophoresis
- Measures
- Mass concentration
- Specimen
- Serum or plasma
- Method
- Electrophoresis
- Measures
- Mass concentration
- Specimen
- Serum or plasma
- Method
- Electrophoresis
- Measures
- Mass concentration
- Specimen
- Serum or plasma
- Method
- Electrophoresis
- Measures
- Mass concentration
- Specimen
- Serum or plasma
- Method
- Electrophoresis
- Measures
- Mass concentration
- Specimen
- Serum or plasma
- Method
- Electrophoresis
- Measures
- Mass concentration
- Specimen
- Serum or plasma
- Method
- Electrophoresis
- Measures
- Mass concentration
- Specimen
- Serum or plasma
- Method
- Electrophoresis
- Measures
- Mass concentration
Total protein adds up albumin and globulins, the workhorses that hold fluid in your blood vessels, carry hormones and nutrients, and fuel your immune defenses. Low levels point toward liver disease, kidney loss of protein, malnutrition, or poor absorption, while high levels can flag chronic inflammation or dehydration. It's a quick baseline check within a metabolic panel, and if your levels drift off, it usually leads straight to albumin and globulin breakdowns to pinpoint what's driving it.
- Specimen
- Serum or plasma
- Measures
- Mass concentration
What you'll learn
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Insights that connect the dots. A clinician reads your whole picture, not one result in isolation, connecting family history, past results, and lifestyle into clear next steps.
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Your personalized action plan. Nutrition, supplements, and training in one clinician-reviewed protocol, updated as your results change.
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Track your trends. Upload results from any lab and see each biomarker trend over time, so you know what is working.
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Never miss a recheck. Mito tells you what is worth retesting and when, then reminds you so nothing slips.
What to expect
- 1 Book instantly
Click, book, done. Choose a convenient lab location near you. Transparent, up-front pricing.
- 2 Quick lab visit
Testing to fit your busy schedule, usually 15 minutes or less. Walk-in and appointments available.
- 3 Fast, dashboard-delivered results
Your results post straight to your dashboard as soon as the lab completes them.
- 4 Expert guidance
Included with Mito membership. A clinician reviews your results and your personalized action plan follows, with clear next steps.
Everything your health needs,
in one membership
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Every test at our cost
Members pay our cost on every test, with lab fees passed straight through. The full receipt is itemized, never padded.
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Continuous tracking, all in one place
Upload past labs and watch your trends over time. Every marker and visit lives in one longitudinal record, so all your care stays together.
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Year-round clinician support
Text anytime and get clinician-reviewed answers. When you want to go deeper, 1:1 consultations are available at affordable rates.
All for $9/month
Order any test or consult without joining. For $9/month, members unlock member prices, trend tracking, and year-round clinician guidance.
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Without membership
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Frequently asked questions
View all FAQsHow does pricing work?
Every test shows the member price next to the standard non-member price, so you can see what membership saves you. The member price is our cost, covering the lab and what it takes to run the service. It is never a profit on the test itself. Mito makes its money on the $9 membership, not on marking up your tests. Membership is $9 per month, and any applicable lab order or draw fee is itemized before you pay.
Where do I get tested?
Choose an available partner lab at checkout. If your cart contains multiple blood tests, Mito helps consolidate the eligible tests at one lab when possible. At-home kits and scans follow the collection or appointment process shown on their product page.
Is this eligible for HSA/FSA?
Yes. Eligible tests can be paid for with an HSA or FSA card at checkout.
When will I get my results?
Your results appear in your Mito dashboard after the laboratory completes processing. A clinician then reviews them before your analysis and personalized action plan are finalized. Timing varies by test, and specialty assays and at-home kits may take longer.
Do I need a physician's order?
No. Mito provides the laboratory order when one is required, so you do not need to arrange a separate physician visit before purchasing.
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